Get to Know Caroline Kraddick: Daughter of Late Radio DJ Kidd Kraddick As She Releases Her First Ever Music Single

After the sudden death of her national iconic father Radio DJ, Kidd Kraddick, Caroline Kraddick found a silver lining in taking over as CEO of Kidd’s Kids, a charity organization founded by her Father aiming to create beautiful memories for families of children with life-altering and threatening health conditions.

We got to know Caroline Kraddick, and discussed how she found happiness in the Kidd’s Kids charity by helping those in need and how an unexpected American Idol audition earlier this year, helped her re-find her passion for music, release her first ever single and pursue her dreams on stage at this year’s KISS FM’s Jingle Ball alongside Ryan Cabrera.

Congratulations on your debut single! How does it feel to officially have a single out?

Thank you so much! I feel like I just birthed a baby, honestly. I’ve been eating, sleeping and breathing “This Love” since January and I’m so happy to finally share it with everyone!

Has music always been a love and passion of yours?

It has. As the daughter of a radio DJ, music was always a huge part of my life. I knew every word to Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Rumours’ album by the time I was 4 years old.

After losing you Dad you stepped away from music for a while. What made you do this?

Singing is extremely vulnerable for me. You’re exposing your emotions and putting yourself out there for everyone to see. After my dad passed, I felt so emotionally raw, I just didn’t have it in me to sing anymore. That break ended up being life changing because when I finally started singing again, it was incredibly therapeutic. That’s when I realized I couldn’t live a life that didn’t involve singing.

You took part in American Idol. What was this experience like? Was it a scary thing to sign up?

American Idol was never in my plans. I was nearing the dreaded age cutoff, so a friendsigned me up without me knowing. I found out when I got a phone call from the producers asking me to come to a private audition in Dallas. I had a wonderful experience with Idol and I met a lot of incredible people that I’m still close with. It turned out to be the kick in the butt I needed to pursue music full time.

You now serve as CEO of Kidd’s Kids; a charity where proceeds from your debut single will be being donated. Can you us a little about this charity?

Kidd’s Kids is a charity started by my late father, Kidd Kraddick. When my mom was pregnant with me, a faulty sonogram indicated I would be born with a disability. When I was born healthy, my parents decided to give back to families who weren’t as fortunate and founded the charity.

The mission statement for Kidd’s Kids is to bring hope and happiness to children with life-threatening and life-altering conditions. The first trip was in 1991, with three families in a van for a weekend to Sea World in San Antonio, Texas. Now we take up to 60 children and their families on an all-expense paid, four-star vacation to Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Two years ago, I came up with the Kidd’s Kids Teen Trip and now we have an additional trip where we take teenagers as well.

Your single is called This Love. Did the charity inspire the song in any way?

The song, which was written by my best friend, Ryan Cabrera, isn’t about the charity specifically, but it is a testament to loving someone with all your heart, which I definitely do with my Kidd’s Kids.

At the end of this month you are performing at Kiss FM’s Jingle Ball. Are you nervous about this? How do you prepare for a big performance?

I AM FREAKING OUT! I’m nervous, but in a good way! This is my first arena show and I am so excited. Luckily, Ryan Cabrera will be on stage with me. I jokingly refer to him as my “on stage security blanket”.

After your Jingle Ball performance what can we expect to see from you next? More music?

Yes, definitely more music. Currently, I’m finishing up my EP in Nashville and LA and hope to have it ready for release at the beginning of next year.

Here at BELLA our tagline is Beauty Defined by You. How would you define beauty?

For me, authenticity and originality are the most beautiful qualities a person can have. So, whether you’re a Size 0 or Size 24, completely made up or just going natural, it’s about expressing yourself however you’re most comfortable. If you are authentically you, your beauty will always shine through.

We loved getting to know Caroline and can’t wait to see her Jingle Ball performance later this month. You can keep up to date with Caroline by following her Instagram @carolinekraddick. For more information about the charity organisation, Kidd’s Kids, visit www.kiddskids.org or follow their Instagram at @kiddskids.